Augusta approves early purchase of 2025 automated refuse vehicle to preserve trade-in value

Augusta City Council on May 21, 2025, authorized staff to purchase a 2025 automated refuse vehicle — a Battle Motors chassis with a 31-yard New Way Sidewinder body — under a Sourcewell contract at a list price of $372,500, with a $47,500 trade-in value for the existing 2016 Peterbilt vehicle for a net purchase cost of $325,000.

City staff said the purchase was discussed at recent budget work sessions and recommended the city act now because 2025 models are lower in cost and trade-in values decline over time. Staff also said the city has cash on hand to make the purchase but would need to amend the 2025 budget at year-end to provide formal budget authority for the expenditure.

“As we discussed during the work session, there are some financial benefits to the city to make this purchase early,” the presenting staff member said, noting the 2025 models are lower in cost and trade-in values can fall when the city delays. The staff member added that the trade-in value “has dropped another $1,516,000 dollars” since the item was first discussed but recommended proceeding to capture better pricing and earlier delivery.

Staff described procurement under a Sourcewell cooperative contract as standard practice for the city and said the purchase would be included in the 2025 budget and formally authorized with a year-end amendment. Councilmember (mover) made the motion to authorize the purchase and trade-in as described; a second was made and the motion carried on a voice vote.

The council also scheduled a budget work session for June 9, 2025, which staff said would allow further review of budget items and any required appropriations.